As a child, I was able to read well before entering the school system. Understandable, considering the hours spent sitting in the laps of my mother, father, aunt, and sister feeling safe, secure, and entertained.
When the newborn son of an African American friend needed books I started to collect those familiar from that time. With acquired, raised consciousness, I realized that nowhere in any of those books were images, or the stories of, anyone other than lily-white children and their lily-white society.
I resolved that issue by hunting online specifically for inclusive books. It worked, but I would like to have been able to physically browse. Saturday last, I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine (pictured), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place, on 120th Street in Harlem just east of Lenox Avenue.
Socially conscious and wonderful are her offerings. Unexpected titles like 'M is for Melanin' ("M is for Melanin shining in every inch of your skin. Every shade, every hue. All beautiful and unique").
'Tar Beach' ("Children will delight in the universal dream of flying over one's world. A practical and stunningly beautiful book").
Another book quickly caught my eye, "Alicia Alonso Dances On" about the great Cuban ballerina with whom I worked years ago. Books like this one inspire youngsters as was Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer in the history of American Ballet Theater
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
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The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
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"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
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"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!
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S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
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Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
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"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
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"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
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"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
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"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
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The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
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301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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